[Symptoms of diphyllobothriasis in young males serving in the army].

Aim: To study prevalence and clinical symptoms of diphyllobothriasis in military personnel.

Material And Methods: Non-random sample of 123 patients was examined, 72 healthy military personnel entered a control group. Total blood count, urine analysis, chest fluorography, coproovoscopic tests, test for occult blood, fibrogastroduodenoscopy, blood biochemical tests, ECG were conducted. By hemoglobinemia the patients were divided into three groups: hemoglobinemia (group 1), 120-130 g/l (group 2), under 120 g/l (group 3).

Results: Most patients of groups 1 and 2 felt healthy. Fragments of helminths at defecation were detected in 3.9%. Dispeptic complaints, abdominal pain occurred in 13% patients of groups 1 and 2, asthenovegetative symptoms - in 9%. Patients of group 3 had complaints directly correlating with anemia severity. Eosinophylia was weak in all the groups. Signs of gastritis were revealed by gastroscopy in 13% patients, achylia was absent.

Conclusion: Diphyllobothriasis in military personnel ran a mild course. 72% cases were asymptomatic. Clinical manifestations of invasion were related to anemia. Severe anemia and complications of invasion developed acutely in 4% patients who had long-term invasion, intensive physical loads and severe concomitant diseases.